Fired up over closure moves

Region has suffered another blow with Scottish Fire Service decision to close Dumfries control room

Outraged employees Lynn Green and Derek Howson have been protesting about Dumfries control room closures

The region suffered a blow yesterday when the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Board announced its control room in Dumfries will close.

The board approved plans to reduce the number of control rooms, which handle emergency calls, from eight to three in a bid to cut costs and save cash.

Confirmation of the Dumfries closure came as police civilian staff anxiously waited to hear their fate.

A final decision on whether the control centre at Cornwall Mount will close was expected around 5pm last night after a meeting of the Scottish Police Authority.

Workers were devastated after being told last Friday that their jobs could go as early as April.

And Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill was branded “the Grim Reaper” by furious MP Russell Brown who accused him of showing contempt for the 53 staff facing the axe when he failed to speak to them during a visit to the town on Monday.

Friday’s announcement sparked an angry backlash in the region with widespread condemnation of the move.

Control room staff launched a campaign to try and force a U-turn to save jobs and a Facebook protest campaign gained thousands of supporters in a matter of hours.

The council, MPs and MSPs lobbied the Scottish Police Authority asking for a decision on the proposals to be delayed.

Prior to yesterday’s meeting at 2.30pm, Vic Emery, chairman of the Scottish Police Authority, said: “We recognise that this is a complex and sensitive proposal, which has long-term implications for the organisation of policing and the services engagement with local communities.

“Before taking a decision on whether this proposal is progressed, SPA members will ensure, through rigorous scrutiny in a public setting, that the rationale behind this proposal is well-evidenced, that the delivery plan is sound and that the outcome will deliver service benefits for all parts of Scotland.”

Outraged call handler Lynn Green, pictured, who has been instrumental in campaigning against the closure, also wrote to the board urging them to delay the decision.

She said: “The announcement last week left us in a state of bewilderment and shock and the proposal has resulted in considerable anger and resentment.

“Obviously it’s very grim for all of the civilian staff and their families affected, but this itself is nothing compared to the potential consequences for local policing in Dumfries and Galloway. Lack of local knowledge could cost someone their life.”

Some members of the control room staff travelled to Glasgow yesterday in a bid to try and speak to board members before they sat down to discuss the proposals.

They are also due to meet with union officials and politicians today at Cornwall Mount.

As well as a Facebook page that has attracted support from nearly 9,000 members, David Cosworth of Castle Douglas set up an online petition which attracted 2,500 signatures.

It was sent to the Scottish Government office of Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish Labour party leader, Police Scotland and MP David Mundell.

Mr Cosworth said: “Dumfries and Galloway is unique with many towns and villages spread across its vast region. Local knowledge is key for a quick response time and only locals based in a local station can provide this.

“A control centre in Glasgow is not going to know the quickest route to a farm the other side of Dunscore or Kirkcudbright. Quick response saves time, and could save lives.”